Tampa, Florida--- On Thursday, December 8, 2005 at 4 pm ET, Fernando Vale, M.D., Associate Professor and Surgical Director of the Epilepsy Center at the University of South Florida, and Vice Chief of the Neurosciences Department at Tampa General Hospital performed live over the internet a temporal lobe resection to control epilepsy. The epilepsy program at Tampa General Hospital is honored to be certified by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. One hour of this four-hour surgery was broadcast.

During this broadcast, we joined Dr. Vale as he searched deep within the temporal lobe of the brain, carefully viewing the ventricle and the hipocampus, next to the brain stem. He searched for the area of seizure onset. This area was identified prior to surgery by a comprehensive and multidisciplinary evaluation that includes EEG-video monitoring, MRI, functional nuclear scans (PET, SPECT), and neuropsychological testing including Wada testing. Often the area of seizure onset cannot be identified visually which is why this type of very specialized surgery is only performed at level IV (the highest capabilities) epilepsy centers. When identified, the area of seizure onset will be disconnected. Disconnecting the abnormality is the most effective way to correct the uncontrollable movements and repetitive behaviors that characterize epilepsy.

Epilepsy is a misunderstood and often misdiagnosed disease that can be cured. It causes the normal pattern of neuronal activity within the brain to be disturbed. This can cause strange sensations, emotions, and behavior, or sometimes convulsions, muscle spasms and loss of consciousness. Anything that disrupts the normal pattern of neuron activity -- from illness to brain damage to abnormal brain development -- can lead to seizures. Seizures are diverse and can range from brief episodes of 'loss of contact' or unresponsiveness, to full-blown body convulsions. When a person has had two or more seizures they are considered to have epilepsy.

Epilepsy is a disease that must be controlled through medication or surgery. Left uncontrolled, seizures can lead to self-injury, damage to the brain, early dementia, quality of life deterioration and decreased life expectancy. Patients who have not responded well to medical management of their epilepsy may be candidates for a temporal lobe resection. Patients with uncontrolled epilepsy are unable to drive, may not be able to work and are often afraid to be alone. Nearly 85% of those who undergo epilepsy surgery, regain their independence and quality of life.

Typically patients stay in the hospital 2 - 3 days following surgery. More than 50 of these surgeries are performed each year at the TGH-USF epilepsy center.